Backyard Pergola

Every summer, we have to rent tents to have covered sitting areas.  We have an existing pergola with a canvas canopy that we dine under but no real sitting area outside.  We decided to build a simple pergola that mimicked the style of the original one we already have.  Clean, black and light.  Originally, we thought to put a permanent shed roof on it but then thought it would look awkward with the other canvas roof over the dining deck. We experimented with waterproof canvas tarps we bought on Amazon and they worked perfectly for the summer. It eliminated the possibility of decapitating myself while trying to attach metal roofing panels.  We put a couple coats of black stain on it to match the color of the first pergola.  We wanted it enclosed somehow so you didn't feel like you were sitting out in the woods and built a corral-like surround.   There is a 6-inch shelf which is nice for votives and an occasional cocktail. We will decide later if we want patio stone or a flat decking or leave the grass.  Now, we won't have to rent tents when we have parties. Next summer, we will build a built-in sofa.  We already ordered the cushions from Ballard Catalog.  So many projects, so little time.